Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts is a unique leader. Her father was the owner of the Colts before her and she took over when he died. She was always an original thinker and even as a child, she marched to the beat of her own drum. Her father encouraged all the kids to “go be weird - it’s cool to be weird.” I love that! How empowering. She originally went to school to become a clinical psychologist and in that time she said she learned how to be neutral. As a board-certified music therapist, I appreciate the slightly odd concept of learning to be neutral. As a counselor and therapist, you must serve the patient completely and in a way that leaves out your personal opinions and that takes a lot of self-restraint.

I found it intriguing that she focuses more on HOW a decision is made than the results of that decision. And lastly, she looks at the organization as an organism with separate parts requiring specific care and curating. Carlie is known to stand on the sidelines with the team with a headset to hear the play calling and dialogue between the coaching staff. Only she never speaks - only listens and takes notes to learn. Her leadership style focuses on long-term success and sustainability.
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